South Fork Heritage Days

An intrinsic pride and appreciation of one’s heritage invariably runs deep in places like South Fork. So too intrinsic of the area is the otherwise rare ability to choose a simple truth about one’s self and to live sincerely in that truth. Good food, good drink, good fun – those things tend to define the mindset of honest townsfolk around South Fork, and that’s a very good thing. That same mantra seems to define the South Fork Heritage Days. The inaugural year for the festival was 2011, so in its newness the festival is still trying to find its center; that’s okay because it will. And wherever that center finally resides, it will be ever close to the heart from which the spirit of this region permeates –that too is a very good thing.

Food is a great big deal at Heritage Days. To kick off the festivities the official kick-off banquet is held Thursday evening at the Methodist Church. Of food vendors there are nearly two dozen. All the food is provided through local organizations, so you know it’s gonna be served fresh and so, so good. The likes of haluski, pulled pork, ham pot pie, and hand cut fries are quickly followed by the likes of ice cream, shortcakes with fruit, funnel cakes, and various baked goods. There is a wine tasting with nearly a half dozen wineries from the region as well as a handful of food vendors exclusive to the event. The beer tent is at the Fire hall, and Friday night is Mug Night – a must. Sunday Morning the Holy Trinity Church serves breakfast

When not gorging on delicious foods there are also plenty of fun activities, centered at the park gazebo, the library, and the fire hall. During the day visitors can catch entertaining dance shows and memorial services and then live music from local and regional bands through the evenings. Celebrating the town’s history is the Museum of Memorabilia, located at the local library. Also at the library, the Saturday Outdoor Movie – a very big hit for the family. For kids there are plenty of fun activities. A bicycle fun ride for kids is sponsored by the school district and follows the scenic (and ominously named) Flood Trail, and there is a memorial 5K run. There is also a 3 on 3 basketball tournament, a golf outing, some small time gambling games like chuck-a-luck and bingo, and walking tours through the town of South Fork.